Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza brings together everything people love about artisan pizzeria-style pies: a crispy, golden crust, tender interior, bubbling cheese, and rich, flavorful toppings. The magic lies in the heavy skillet, which heats evenly and creates a beautifully crisp crust without requiring a pizza stone or special equipment. This approach is wonderfully forgiving and perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks wanting a dependable technique. I once experimented using almond milk in the dough instead of water—just for curiosity—and while unconventional, the dough still baked up soft and chewy with only a slight change in flavor. This recipe is quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings, and it allows limitless customization. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni, veggie-loaded toppings, or a simple Margherita, this cast iron method guarantees a crust that delivers the ideal balance of crunch and chew every time.
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Cast Iron Skillet Pizza: A Crispy, Chewy, Restaurant-Style Pie at Home
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 1 (10–12 inch) pizza — serves 2–3
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza is a crispy-edged, chewy-centered pizza baked in a hot cast iron pan for the perfect pizzeria-style crust. Loaded with melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite toppings, it’s an easy and delicious homemade pizza night staple.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Your choice of toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, olives, sausage, peppers, etc.
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a circle slightly smaller than your skillet.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and drizzle olive oil inside, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
- Lay the pizza dough into the hot skillet, gently pressing it to the edges.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and desired toppings.
- Return skillet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Optional: Turn the broiler on for the last 1–2 minutes for extra browned cheese.
- Carefully remove from oven, cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Preheating the skillet ensures a crispy, restaurant-style crust.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for best browning.
- Let the pizza rest 5 minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from sliding.
- Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza Dough
Fresh or homemade pizza dough forms the heart of this recipe. Its elasticity and hydration level help create the signature chewy, airy interior.
Olive Oil
A generous layer of olive oil in the skillet ensures a crisp, golden crust and prevents sticking.
Marinara or Pizza Sauce
A smooth marinara or pizza sauce adds acidity and depth, balancing the richness of cheese and toppings.
Mozzarella Cheese
Melty mozzarella cheese creates the classic stretchy texture essential to any pizza.
Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor with salty, nutty notes.
Pepperoni or Preferred Toppings
Use pepperoni or your favorite toppings—vegetables, sausage, mushrooms, or fresh herbs.
Garlic Powder
A touch of garlic powder enhances the sauce and crust with subtle aromatic warmth.
Salt and Pepper
A sprinkle of salt and pepper ensures the toppings and cheese are balanced in flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stovetop and add a generous drizzle of olive oil, ensuring the bottom is well coated. Meanwhile, stretch or roll your pizza dough into a circle slightly larger than the skillet. Carefully lay the dough into the warm skillet, pressing it gently to form an even base with a slight edge. Allow the dough to cook for 1–2 minutes until the bottom begins to set and crisp.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the sauce, followed by Parmesan. Add your chosen toppings, ensuring not to overload the pizza or it may become soggy. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper lightly over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. For an extra-crispy finish, broil for the last minute. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease..
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 2–3 servings. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, stovetop searing requires 1–2 minutes, and baking takes 12–15 minutes, plus a brief resting period.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the skillet over low heat for 5 minutes or in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain a firm crust.
Variations and Customizations
Margherita Skillet Pizza
Top with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a classic version.
Veggie Supreme
Add bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, and spinach for a colorful, hearty pie.
Meat Lover’s
Layer sausage, pepperoni, and bacon for a rich, protein-packed option.
White Garlic Pizza
Replace sauce with a garlic-butter base and top with ricotta and mozzarella.
Spicy Inferno
Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper, and spicy sausage.
Pesto Chicken Pizza
Spread pesto in place of marinara and top with cooked chicken and spinach.
BBQ Tortellini
Use BBQ sauce with chicken and red onions for a sweet-savory twist.
Three-Cheese Blend
Mix mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for extra richness.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free dough that holds structure well in high heat.
Breakfast Pizza
Top with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar for a brunch-ready spin.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
Why cook the dough in the skillet first?
It helps crisp the bottom and ensures even baking.
Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
A heavy oven-safe pan can work, but cast iron gives the best crust.
Should I oil the skillet heavily?
Yes, it prevents sticking and creates a fried-like edge.
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, but pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
Why is my crust soggy?
Too many toppings or watery ingredients can soften the crust.
Can I add raw vegetables?
Yes, but thin slices cook more evenly.
Can this be made on the stovetop only?
Not recommended—the oven creates the necessary top browning.
How do I prevent the dough from shrinking?
Let it rest at room temperature before stretching.
Can I freeze this pizza?
Freeze baked slices and reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza offers a simple yet impressive way to achieve crispy, pizzeria-style results right at home. With its golden crust, bubbling cheese, and endless customization possibilities, it is a dependable and delicious recipe perfect for weeknights and special gatherings alike. Once you try this method, you may find yourself making skillet pizza far more often—its texture and flavor are difficult to beat.
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